Activity Overview
Another great way to engage your students is by creating a storyboard that uses vocabulary from the Tops and Bottoms book.
In this activity, students demonstrate their understanding of vocabulary words using sentences and corresponding images. Students may be provided the vocabulary words, or they can use words that they have discovered through their reading of the text. The sentences and images validate the understanding of the word and the context that it was used in the novel.
Here are some ways to help your students find the meaning of the vocabulary words they choose:
- Use context clues; sometimes you can figure out the meaning of a word by reading the sentences that come before and after the unknown word.
- The author may tell the definition of the word right in the same sentence, or in the following sentence.
- Picture clues may help define an unknown word.
- Look at the unknown word, and look for parts you may know. Sometimes a new ending or beginning has been added or changed.
- Use a dictionary or glossary.
Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the story and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
Wealth
(n.) An abundance of valuable possessions or money
Example: ”His father had been a hard worker and a smart business bear, and he had given all of his wealth to his son."
Scowl:
(n.) An angry or bad-tempered expression
Example: ”Bear looked at his pile and scowled."
Harvest:
(v./n.) The process or period of gathering in crops
Example: ”When it was time for the harvest, Hare called out, ‘Wake up, Bear! You get the tops and I get the bottoms.’"
Other vocabulary words that could be used include:
Debt, profit, business partners, cheated, clever, lazy, and crops
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Demonstrate your understanding of the vocabulary words in Tops and Bottoms by creating visualizations.
- Choose three vocabulary words from the story and type them in the title boxes.
- Find the definition in a print or online dictionary.
- Write a sentence that uses the vocabulary word.
- Illustrate the meaning of the word in the cell using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
- Alternatively, use Photos for Class to show the meaning of the words with the search bar.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word 1 - Sentence | Vocabulary word is used correctly in the example sentence in both meaning and context. | The meaning of the sentence can be understood, but the vocabulary word is used awkwardly or in the wrong context. | The vocabulary word is not used correctly in the example sentence. |
| Word 1 - Visualization | The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word. | The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand. | The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word. |
| Word 2 - Sentence | Vocabulary word is used correctly in the example sentence in both meaning and context. | The meaning of the sentence can be understood, but the vocabulary word is used awkwardly or in the wrong context. | The vocabulary word is not used correctly in the example sentence. |
| Word 2 - Visualization | The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word. | The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand. | The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word. |
| Word 3 - Sentence | Vocabulary word is used correctly in the example sentence in both meaning and context. | The meaning of the sentence can be understood, but the vocabulary word is used awkwardly or in the wrong context. | The vocabulary word is not used correctly in the example sentence. |
| Word 3 - Visualization | The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word. | The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand. | The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word. |
Activity Overview
Another great way to engage your students is by creating a storyboard that uses vocabulary from the Tops and Bottoms book.
In this activity, students demonstrate their understanding of vocabulary words using sentences and corresponding images. Students may be provided the vocabulary words, or they can use words that they have discovered through their reading of the text. The sentences and images validate the understanding of the word and the context that it was used in the novel.
Here are some ways to help your students find the meaning of the vocabulary words they choose:
- Use context clues; sometimes you can figure out the meaning of a word by reading the sentences that come before and after the unknown word.
- The author may tell the definition of the word right in the same sentence, or in the following sentence.
- Picture clues may help define an unknown word.
- Look at the unknown word, and look for parts you may know. Sometimes a new ending or beginning has been added or changed.
- Use a dictionary or glossary.
Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the story and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
Wealth
(n.) An abundance of valuable possessions or money
Example: ”His father had been a hard worker and a smart business bear, and he had given all of his wealth to his son."
Scowl:
(n.) An angry or bad-tempered expression
Example: ”Bear looked at his pile and scowled."
Harvest:
(v./n.) The process or period of gathering in crops
Example: ”When it was time for the harvest, Hare called out, ‘Wake up, Bear! You get the tops and I get the bottoms.’"
Other vocabulary words that could be used include:
Debt, profit, business partners, cheated, clever, lazy, and crops
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Demonstrate your understanding of the vocabulary words in Tops and Bottoms by creating visualizations.
- Choose three vocabulary words from the story and type them in the title boxes.
- Find the definition in a print or online dictionary.
- Write a sentence that uses the vocabulary word.
- Illustrate the meaning of the word in the cell using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
- Alternatively, use Photos for Class to show the meaning of the words with the search bar.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word 1 - Sentence | Vocabulary word is used correctly in the example sentence in both meaning and context. | The meaning of the sentence can be understood, but the vocabulary word is used awkwardly or in the wrong context. | The vocabulary word is not used correctly in the example sentence. |
| Word 1 - Visualization | The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word. | The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand. | The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word. |
| Word 2 - Sentence | Vocabulary word is used correctly in the example sentence in both meaning and context. | The meaning of the sentence can be understood, but the vocabulary word is used awkwardly or in the wrong context. | The vocabulary word is not used correctly in the example sentence. |
| Word 2 - Visualization | The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word. | The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand. | The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word. |
| Word 3 - Sentence | Vocabulary word is used correctly in the example sentence in both meaning and context. | The meaning of the sentence can be understood, but the vocabulary word is used awkwardly or in the wrong context. | The vocabulary word is not used correctly in the example sentence. |
| Word 3 - Visualization | The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word. | The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand. | The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word. |
How Tos about Tops and Bottoms Vocabulary Lesson Plan
Easily Differentiate Vocabulary Instruction for Diverse Learners
Adapt vocabulary activities to meet the needs of all students, including English learners and those needing extra support. Differentiation helps every student access and understand new words at their own pace and readiness level.
Group students thoughtfully for peer learning
Pair or group students so they can support each other’s vocabulary understanding. Mixed-ability groups allow stronger readers to model strategies while others gain confidence through collaboration.
Provide sentence frames or word banks
Offer sentence starters and word banks for students who need scaffolding. These tools help students create complete, context-rich sentences when practicing new vocabulary words.
Incorporate hands-on or interactive activities
Use games, manipulatives, or movement-based activities to reinforce vocabulary meaning. Physical engagement can boost retention and make learning more enjoyable for all students.
Check understanding with quick, informal assessments
Use exit tickets, thumbs up/down, or brief discussions to gauge how well students grasp the vocabulary. Frequent, low-pressure checks help you adjust instruction right away for students who need more support.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tops and Bottoms Vocabulary Lesson Plan
What is a Tops and Bottoms vocabulary lesson plan?
A Tops and Bottoms vocabulary lesson plan is a structured activity where students explore and understand vocabulary words from the book Tops and Bottoms by Janet Stevens. Students define key terms, use them in sentences, and illustrate their meanings to deepen comprehension.
How can students use visual boards to learn vocabulary in Tops and Bottoms?
Students can create visual vocabulary boards by choosing words from Tops and Bottoms, finding definitions, writing example sentences, and drawing or selecting images that represent each word's meaning. This helps reinforce understanding through both text and visuals.
What are effective strategies to help students find the meaning of new words in a story?
Effective strategies include using context clues from surrounding sentences, analyzing word parts (prefixes, suffixes), looking for picture clues, and checking a dictionary or glossary. These methods support students in independently discovering word meanings.
What vocabulary words are commonly taught with Tops and Bottoms?
Common vocabulary words from Tops and Bottoms include wealth, scowl, harvest, debt, profit, business partners, cheated, clever, lazy, and crops. These words are key to understanding the story's themes and characters.
How can teachers adapt the Tops and Bottoms vocabulary activity for different grade levels?
Teachers can adapt this activity by selecting simpler words and shorter sentences for younger grades, or by encouraging deeper analysis and more complex illustrations for older students. Adjusting difficulty and vocabulary choices ensures the lesson fits various learning levels.
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